Building a quality career

What was your role before transitioning into quality?

It was as a senior build manager for a Tier 1 construction company, responsible for the delivery of multiple projects within the region.

How did you first learn about quality as a career?

Quality had always been something that formed part of my day-to-day running of a construction site. However, this was shared with many other tasks, such as health and safety, build progress and planning. Quality and compliance gained more traction within the organisation about five years ago with the introduction of a full-time quality manager, and that was my first introduction to quality as a job.
 

What prompted you to make the move into the quality function?

Having been in the construction industry for more than 20 years, I have witnessed a huge shift in the focus on quality and the ‘getting it right first time’ approach. When I started out working for my father’s decorating business, he instilled in me the mentality of taking pride in your work and producing quality work. That’s something I felt had diminished in the construction industry until the introduction of quality managers in the past decade.

As a build manager, I had multiple responsibilities to the projects I was overseeing, quality being one of them. I wanted to influence this more, which is why I decided to make the move into quality as a career.

How was the move facilitated – for example, what training was required?

The move came about with the opportunity to work in my current role, in the special projects team, overseeing the compliance recording and quality of installation on fire-remediation projects. I drew on my experience as a senior build manager and enrolled on numerous fire-stopping courses to further my knowledge. I also joined the CQI and continued with my professional development.

"Changing roles at any time can be daunting and, initially, I had reservations about my own skill sets. However, if you research the role, you may find similarities with some of the things you are already doing."

Rob Annels PCQI, Group Quality Assurance Manager, Special Projects – Fire Remediation, Crest Nicholson

What were your expectations of a role in quality and have these been met?

My expectations were having the opportunity to shape and influence the procedures, and deliver an end product that is not only compliant, but that also astonishes the end user. So far, my expectations have been met, and I am fortunate to work with a head of quality who supports this vision and allows me to develop in the role.

What have been the key highlights of what you learned in the role so far?

There have been several, but the key one is the renewed focus and realisation, as an industry, that we have not always got it right in the past and that, going forward, quality is hugely significant and important. Construction companies, from Tier 1s to SMEs, are realising this and introducing dedicated quality teams.

How has moving to the quality team impacted you and your work in terms of your career development?

It has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. My understanding of compliance, auditing, recording and supporting has expanded significantly. I have been able to bring improvements to the business with new ideas, introducing new recording software. With my background in site management, I have been able to bring the challenges faced on site and use my role in quality to help address these, and provide support to the site teams.

What advice would you give to others who are considering a similar career move into quality?

Changing roles at any time can be daunting and, initially, I had reservations about my own skill sets. However, if you research the role, you may find similarities with some of the things you are already doing. Find out what training you require to make the move, but if it is something you are passionate about and you want to make a difference, I would wholeheartedly recommend the move.